I really liked the article. It addresses the debate on the potential dangers of football which has been discussed here on several occasions. The author, a writer with the Trib whose 9 year old son is playing ball, ends up in a slightly different place. While the danger of serious injury and concussions is real, he ends up seeing significant benefits. These can be summed up in three areas:

Teamwork. Unlike youth basketball and baseball, which can be dominated by a single great athlete, football demands teamwork. If everyone doesn't contribute, you'll lose. But there is a place for everyone to contribute.

Confidence. Putting on pads and working with your teammates can do wonders in building confidence in a young boy.

Toughness.

Modern life can offer kids a pretty soft existence: parents who never pick up a paddle, snacks by the boxful, nonstop entertainment streaming through smartphones. It's easy to float through life untroubled by challenge.

These characteristics build resilience, one of the most important things a child can do.

What really matters, he says, is learning to overcome adversity.

On the football field, adversity comes with every snap. The game teaches kids that when they get knocked down, the only response is to get up.

If you're one of the ones debating whether or not to let your kids play football, I'd strongly encourage you to read the article. I have seen these benefits in my own son, and they outweigh the dangers, from my perspective.

“Top to bottom Michigan is about excellence, greatness. You have my pledge I will carry forward the excellence of Michigan football." Jim Harbaugh, December 30, 2014

Can't speak for every league, but it seems in the Chicago area, most teams are pretty highly segregated by weight. 6th graders are generally in the 103 pound weight class. If heavier (by up to 10 pounds,) they can only play on the OL or DL, and are not allowed to advance the football, by catch, run, interception, or fumble recovery. (if any of you really want details here is a CHART - LINK: http://csyfa.vicid.net/images/images/1/0/2012_weight_chart.pdf)

If significantly lighter, (20 pounds,) an older player can play with the age group under them. For example, my son's team, as mentioned above, is "103." They have one player a year older who weighs 20 pounds less than the rest of the team.

Because of these weight guidelines, this means that no, I have never seen a youth football team with a single 6'0" 6th grader, weighing less than 103 pounds, who runs for 400 yards and 5 TD's and plays linebacker every single play.

I will readily grant that there are still "stars" on a 6th grade team. But they don't dominate to the degree that happens in soccer, basketball, or baseball. In baseball, a lefty who can pitch and hit well can dominate. In soccerr, someone who can dribble and score can dominate. In basketball, someone who is tall but can handle the ball and shoot can dominate.

In football, you absolutely MUST have several pieces beyond one player to dominate. For a recent example, look at Michigan - Alabama. I believe that if Denard had been fortunate enough to play behind a very good OL, and if he had a couple more receivers, Michigan would have been much more competitive. As good as Denard is, he was one player, and he could not dominate that game.

I'm curious, however: did you ever play ball, or have a son or nephew who played? I myself was never fortunate to play competitive tackle football. But being around my son's practices the last three years, I can subjectively agree with the author. The evidence for the author, and for me, is seeing what happens in our sons. You have to do what is right for you or for your family. What makes this article compelling is that it was written by someone who was predisposed AGAINST his son playing, but has tangibly seen the benefits. This isn't an argument for everyone, and I know boys who have been hit once, and hang it up right away. But it does lay out a few benefits to consider.

“Top to bottom Michigan is about excellence, greatness. You have my pledge I will carry forward the excellence of Michigan football." Jim Harbaugh, December 30, 2014

Yes. I've played high school football, baseball, soccer, and wrestling. (not all at once) And i played basketball up til high school.

While the hits in football were probably the most painful part of all the sports I played, they by no means taught me "toughness." For me, I learned "toughness" when I was in the 3rd period of a tied wrestling match and my lungs were exploding and my shoulder was numb from getting chicken winged for a minute straight... going for a takedown knowing full well that my opponent was going to cross face the shit out of me, and finishing the move even though every muscle in my body begged me to stop.

Toughness isn't getting tackled and hurt. It's your mind telling your body to shut the fuck up and deal with the pain. And honestly, that can be achieved in most sports.

EDIT: and, not every area has the luxury of a large population like Chicago. Most places are sgnificantly less populated and, thus, have to include much larger weight discrepencies in order to have 22 kids on the field at any given time.

Good points, especially about mental toughness and resilience. You can indeed learn these from many sports. I can believe that wrestling would develop this more than football. I still go with football for teamwork, but you can make arguments both ways.

The fact that you've played football, as well as the other sports. gives you more credibility.

You're also undoubtedly correct about the general population affecting teams. One minor correction: youth football teams typically have 13 - 20 players, with many guys going both ways. Everyone gets to play, but it's true, some of the weaker players are only on offense or defense.

“Top to bottom Michigan is about excellence, greatness. You have my pledge I will carry forward the excellence of Michigan football." Jim Harbaugh, December 30, 2014

I played just about every team sport. I don't really know of any that don't emphasize teamwork.

Football is just as good as any other, slightly better in some areas, maybe slightly worse. I don't think it's really an argument worth having, other than the point that the OP's original take-aways are found in every sport.

So: you're kids should play a competitive team sport. I don't care what it is.

I do think the "toughness" is completely overrated. "Toughness," if such a thing exists, is a mental thing. Plowing through guys while wearing pads or getting your bell rung doesn't make you any more tough than being taken out on a soccer field, getting undercut on a layup, or taking a hit in hockey or lacrosse.

IMO the only difference is that football players get an overrated sense of safety from their pads and helmets and throw their bodies around accordingly. This doesn't make someone tough. IMO.

I think your point is well made, but I think the overall point of the article and proponents of football is that the game channels all or many of the benefits of sports into one. I played football and ran distance track in high school. I would argue that pushing myself to run as hard as I can for another 100m, then another 100m, etc. did more for my "toughness" and "perseverance" than football ever did. However, it was me against the field of runners, and mostly myself. I didn't rely on my teammates to assist when I made a mistake, or vice versa. Sure I contributed to our point total, but it just isn't the same as the many moving parts on the football team. I also wonder if I never played football, if I would have ever had that kind of personal confidence and motivation to achieve my goals in track.

"And when we play as a team, when the old season is over, you and I know, it's gonna be Michigan again, Michigan."

I'm going to disagree on point 2. My son isn't fat, but he is big (got an early growth spurt) and isn't the most athletic kid in the world - he's still getting used to his size - so he ended up on the line. Playing there line has been great for him. He gets to contribute to every offensive play in some way, and can see the results when they run a play over him. Not getting to touch the ball doesn't seem to bother him, he's just as proud as his running backs when his team scores.

Playing on the line has allowed him to improve his athleticism and confidence while still being a contributer.

Small sample size, etc. but being "hidden" on the line has been tremendous for him.....

(FWIW, I think the coach's atitude towards the linemen has a lot to do with the kids' experiences)

as well. And I think the post your are responding to is missing the body type you describe, but the point is similar.

My son tried baseball, basketball, soccer, and football. When he was up to bat, or got the ball in the other sports it was a trying experience. Most players wouldn't pass to him, parents would audibly groan, so he had to make due defending in basketball and soccer, and getting the ball when it came his way. Each of these sports he eventually decided were just not for him.

He has played tackle since 2nd grade, and runs out on the field with a confidence that he is a key part of his team, and his teammates acknowledge his contribution. He's now a center and linebacker in 8th grade. When he made the team in 7th grade about a third of the team are 7th graders) many kids were surprised (presummably based on his awkwardness), but he wasn't. He was confident that as long as he competed in tryouts, he'd make the team.

Good point, our situation isn't an exact parallel to what was described, but what I was really trying to get at is that football seems to have more room for kids who don't "fit" in other sports. I'm just happy that my son's found a sport he can succeed even if he is kind of clumsy and awkward.

She notes (wryly) that I always seem to follow the football and baseball seasons more than, say, ballet, or equestrian events, or swim team, or even soccer. Guilty as charged, at least on the first three. Having twins involved in Fall, Winter, and Spring Soccer, Baseball, Football, Basketball, and Swim Team, can be brutal. (we said no to cross country ON TOP OF football and soccer.) I'm sure in a year or two they will drop several of the sports.

But Mrs. Kass likes the kids to be active and fit and outdoors, and will support all sports, including football, much, much, much more than any electronic or couch potato games. Mrs. Kass also enjoys watching football or soccer more than the other sports.

“Top to bottom Michigan is about excellence, greatness. You have my pledge I will carry forward the excellence of Michigan football." Jim Harbaugh, December 30, 2014

Teamwork. Unlike youth basketball and baseball, which can be dominated by a single great athlete, football demands teamwork. If everyone doesn't contribute, you'll lose. But there is a place for everyone to contribute.

I have to disagree with you here. This summer I was on a league team with Trey Burke, and he told me and my teammates that our bounce passes to him and only him were very important to helping the team win the championship. I even scored 2 points. So that pretty much blows your theory out of the water

Hockey fits this bill to a tee. It's also even more-so (in my opinion) an ultimate team game because you can't hide anyone on the ice, and the best kids can only play 50% of the time (or so... not counting goalies because we're awesome).

Youth hockey is non-contact, so there is very little risk of injury until they're 12-13 and start checking.

Honestly, it's good for kids to have a guy with a flat top and a windbreaker yelling at them sometimes. I gained no more worthwhile lessons than blocking for other guys who are ultimately going to get the credit. It's a weird teamwork thing that I didn't get while playing soccer. And if I missed an assignment and the quarterback got hit, I got screamed at and could only respond with "yes, sir."

Along with this, there's a toughness and discipline gained when it's 90 degrees out in full pads and players are running sprints. Basically, in the vein of what Adam Carolla has said (say what you want about the guy but he's dead on in a lot of areas), I'd rather my kid risk getting popped a few times playing football and be a well-rounded, driven person than never get a concussion and feel entitled their whole life.

I know that's painting with massively broad strokes but there is a little truth in it.

That's not what I meant but I understand how you could have taken it that way. I am just getting at the fact that at 22, many of my peers have a terrible sense of entitlement because they were never put in a position where they were working with others toward a larger goal. And with this, I am also saying that sports that break your mind/body/attitude down and build it back up (like football, rugby and hockey [among others]) teach excellent life lessons.

I just disagree that "working with others toward a larger goal" is what prevents a person from becoming entitled. To me, entitlement comes from what you are taught at home.

I agree that sports teach excellent life lessons, but I can't really see how "don't be entitled" is one of them. I also don't see football being a better teacher of life lessons than most other sports...

Neg me all you want, but the positives that article refers to are all present in a sport like soccer. In fact, this article does very very little to differentiate football from other sports except baseball and basketball.

1) Teamwork. If it only took 1 good player, than Argentina and Portugal would've wont he last 2 world cups. They didn't. Spain and Italy did. Because that have the best team work. And I totally disagree with the conclusion that basketball and baseball can be dominated by 1 good player. You ever turn a double play by yourself? How bout executing a pick and roll alone?

2) Confidence: Again, this is simply related to physical exertion and improvement over time. It works with any sport.

3) toughness: if you define "toughness" as "allowed violence" then yes. Football is hands down the toughest sport. But mental toughness can be learned in any sport. Having played football, basketball, baseball, soccer, and wrestling, I would say that wrestling was the only sport that taught mental toughness as an actual skill.

Overall, I will still not allow my son to play football because I value his brain safety more than I value the marginal benefites of the sport.

I replied to you at more length above, but will add a few more things.

First, no need to neg you, I respect your opinion.

I'll agree that teamwork, confidence, and toughness can be gained in any sport. I would say, however, that in youth soccer, one player can dominate much more so than soccer at a high level. Regarding teamwork in particular, I have twins, one playing soccer, and the other football. The gains for the football player in learning about teamwork are much more significant than for the soccer player.

As regards confidence, you may have a point. If you work hard in any sport, and achieve some success, it builds confidence.

As regards toughness, I wouldn't underestimate the fact you might get hit and how you respond to that. Football certainly develops a lot more toughness than baseball or basketball. I can't speak for hockey or wrestling, which are outside of my base of experience.

As regards brain safety, that's the huge question every parent asks. I know that in my son's league, playing against kids who weigh approximately the same weight, with limited speed and strength, there has not been a single concussion in more than 3 years (with 2,000 - 3,000 kids playing on 10 teams of 15 - 25 players in our community, with another 10 or so teams in each of 13 other communities.) I think one concussion would be enough for me to pull my son out. And I have more misgivings once you get to open weight class ball, as in high school and college.

“Top to bottom Michigan is about excellence, greatness. You have my pledge I will carry forward the excellence of Michigan football." Jim Harbaugh, December 30, 2014

1) love the civil discussion. And I would never ever criticise a parent of a football player or question anyone's parenting. As far as I'm concerned, any organized activity is good for a kid and parental involvement is awesome, especially when so so many kids don't get any.

2) Just to be contrarian: perhaps the child in soccer is not learning enough about teamwork because the coach does not know enough about the game to teach it correctly to the youths. This is, I think, the biggest reason the US is not good at soccer. Maybe your child's coach is very good and football does, in fact, teach teamwork better than soccer. Just a thought I had.

Youth team sports, including football, are all great opportunities for kids to learn teamwork, camaraderie, and accountability.

It doesn't change the fact football is a violent, barbaric sport that is probably now at the height of its popularity, that the number of people playing in it will now steadily decrease due to the inherent risks of the game, and many parents will steer their kids towards soccer, baseball, basketball, and lacrosse as alternatives.

Football teams are not having the turn out that you would expect. It is at a height of popularity for the fan but not participation. Just ask any football coach, I coach in our youth league and we have dropped from 7 entry level teams to just 4 now.

What do you base this on other than the current media crusade that has been taking place for the past year? Football in its infancy was looked at as violent and barbaric. People through the years tried to get it outlawed. It did not work and today football is more popular than ever.

Football today might be as popular as it ever has been, if you're only looking at the number of people who pay to watch other people play the sport.

However, compare the number of kids playing youth football to youth soccer / lacrosse / basketball across the nation.

There has been a series of articles in my local newspapers in the Twin Cities about how youth participation has decreased by as much as 20% in the past two years for a number of reasons - most prominent among them is the radical idea that having 8 and 9 year olds tackling each other with pads and helmets isn't the greatest idea for their health.

So yes, the popularity of the sport now, on TV, might be at its apex. But it's certainly not being played as much as it has been in the past, and that trend is probably not going to reverse itself.

but there is no way you can compare the two especially when it comes to teamwork and especially toughness. Soccer culture is focussed on forwards only, blame the goalie and blame the officials. Not to mention the hideous haricuts and fashion statements

Granted, forwards do seem to be the large personalities in soccer, but I don't see any difference between them and wide receivers in the US. The only reason the focus is on these players is because they demand the attention.

Every day, you're either getting better, or you're getting worse. You never stay the same! --Bo

I might be inferring too much. Are you suggesting soccer players are tougher than football players based solely on a perception that they have more running endurance? I 100% disagree that soccer players are tougher even IF they can sprint for longer time periods. As for sprinting, in my experience, a standard Randy Walker, "Winning Edge" conditioning session for the NU football team was a far tougher sprint workout (or any other type of workout) than the toughest sprint workout that the NU men's soccer team ever did. Even as an athlete myself, I was shocked at the sprint endurance that even the linemen had to have to survive, "The Winning Edge".

My 9 year old plays youth football and its been great for him. He's not the most athletic kid in the world, so they put him on the offensive line. He likes that he gets to contribute on every play, whereas in baseball, soccer, or basketball he would end up standing around watching the more athletically inclined kids do everything. Football has been a great confidence booster for him, and I wouldn't think of taking him out now.